Maryland Medicaid can fund in-home care through Community First Choice (CFC)—and many families can have a loved one paid as the caregiver. Here is what changed in 2026 and how to apply.
Read articleMaryland Home Care Agency for Medicaid, CFC & In-Home Caregivers
Cottage Home Care Maryland helps families get Medicaid-funded in-home care across all 24 counties. The CFC program has no waitlist — qualify and start without waiting. A family member can often be your paid caregiver. Private pay starts immediately with no Medicaid paperwork. Free eligibility check: (667) 400-0648.
Maryland Medicaid & private pay home care
Cottage Home Care Maryland is a statewide home care agency that helps families enroll in Medicaid-funded Community First Choice (CFC), the Community Options Waiver, and private pay care—with free eligibility guidance and paid family caregiver options when program rules allow.
Programs we help Maryland families enroll in
- Community First Choice (CFC)
- CFC is Maryland Medicaid-funded personal care at home with no waitlist for eligible participants who need help with daily living activities.
- Community Options Waiver
- The Community Options Waiver supports Marylanders at risk of nursing home placement with broader home- and community-based services, though a statewide waitlist applies.
- Private pay home care
- Private pay offers flexible scheduling and caregiver choice for families who prefer to self-fund in-home support without Medicaid enrollment.
Many eligible families can enroll in Medicaid-funded programs with no CFC waitlist and may hire a trusted relative as a paid caregiver. Browse home care by county, or read our Maryland home care blog for step-by-step enrollment tips.
What you can expect from our team
- Free eligibility guidance for CFC Program, Community Options, and Private Pay across all 24 Maryland counties
- Help completing paperwork and matching care plans to ADLs and safety needs at home
- Options to self-direct care, including family caregiver pay when program rules allow
5,000+
Clients Served
14,000+
Families Supported
14M+
Hours of Care
100%
On-Time Payments
★★★★★
5-Star Reviews
Community First Choice · Maryland Medicaid
Bringing care home with Maryland Medicaid
Cottage Home Care Maryland guides families through CFC enrollment, paperwork, and caregiver setup so eligible loved ones can receive Medicaid-funded care at home.
1
Covered Under Maryland Medicaid
Get access to care services fully covered by Maryland Medicaid, ensuring affordability and support without added financial stress.
2
Self-Direct Your Care
Choose your own caregiver — even a trusted family member — so care feels comfortable, personal, and familiar every day.
3
Comprehensive Support Services
Receive personal care, emergency response, assistive technology, and training designed to keep you safe and independent at home.
Speak to a Family Advisor now
(667) 400-0648
Testimonials from our patients and caregivers
Heartfelt stories from those who trusted us with their care
- Maria Sanchez: I'm proud to work with Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC. Whether I'm assisting a CFC client or a Private Pay family, the agency ensures we have the resources to provide top-notch care. It's a supportive environment for staff and patients alike.
- Robert Mitchell: Navigating the Community First Choice (CFC) program seemed complicated until I called Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC. They handled the paperwork and set me up with excellent care. I'm grateful to stay in my own home comfortably.
- Sarah Jenkins: As a caregiver here, I appreciate how Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC manages the Community Options and CFC cases. The communication is excellent, and they truly match us with patients where we can make the biggest difference.
- James Lee: I needed flexibility, and the Private Pay options at Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC were perfect for my situation. The team was professional, transparent about costs, and provided a caregiver who matches my personality perfectly.
- Patricia Davis: The Community Options waiver program changed my life, and Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC made it happen. My caregiver is wonderful, and having that extra support for daily tasks has allowed me to maintain my independence.
- Harold Thompson: Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC goes above and beyond. From explaining the CFC benefits to ensuring my home care schedule works for me, they have been professional and caring every step of the way.
“I'm proud to work with Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC. Whether I'm assisting a CFC client or a Private Pay family, the agency ensures we have the resources to provide top-notch care. It's a supportive environment for staff and patients alike.”
Maria Sanchez
Certified CaregiverAge 29
“Navigating the Community First Choice (CFC) program seemed complicated until I called Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC. They handled the paperwork and set me up with excellent care. I'm grateful to stay in my own home comfortably.”
Robert Mitchell
PatientAge 62
“As a caregiver here, I appreciate how Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC manages the Community Options and CFC cases. The communication is excellent, and they truly match us with patients where we can make the biggest difference.”
Sarah Jenkins
Certified CaregiverAge 26
“I needed flexibility, and the Private Pay options at Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC were perfect for my situation. The team was professional, transparent about costs, and provided a caregiver who matches my personality perfectly.”
James Lee
PatientAge 70
“The Community Options waiver program changed my life, and Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC made it happen. My caregiver is wonderful, and having that extra support for daily tasks has allowed me to maintain my independence.”
Patricia Davis
PatientAge 56
“Cottage Home Care Maryland LLC goes above and beyond. From explaining the CFC benefits to ensuring my home care schedule works for me, they have been professional and caring every step of the way.”
Harold Thompson
PatientAge 59
Maryland counties we serve
We are proud to serve families across all 24 Maryland counties. No matter where you live, we help you explore local home care programs and enrollment support near you.
Frequently asked questions
Cottage Home Care Maryland answers common questions about CFC, Medicaid enrollment, caregiver pay, and how to get started with in-home care across the state.
The baseline income limit is $350 per month — but that number disqualifies almost nobody. Most Maryland seniors qualify through the Medically Needy spend-down program. There is also a Community Options Waiver pathway with a limit up to $2,982 per month. Don't rule yourself out before calling: (667) 400-0648.
CFC has no waitlist. Qualify and you start. The Community Options Waiver covers more services — assisted living, adult day care, home modifications — but has a statewide waitlist of over 24,000 people, typically a multi-year wait. Most families enroll in CFC immediately while their name moves up the Community Options registry.
Yes. Under CFC's self-direction option, you can hire an adult child, sibling, or qualifying friend as your paid caregiver. Maryland also allows spouses as paid caregivers under self-directed arrangements. Spouses are excluded under the standard agency-directed model. Parents of minor children are excluded in all cases.
We offer three programs: the Community First Choice (CFC) Program (Medicaid-funded, no waitlist), the Community Options Waiver (HCBOW), and Private Pay home care for those who prefer to self-fund services.
Yes. Both the CFC Program and Community Options Waiver are Medicaid-funded, meaning eligible Maryland residents pay nothing out of pocket for covered services like personal care, ADL assistance, and emergency response.
No — the CFC Program has no waitlist. If you meet Medicaid and medical eligibility criteria, you can begin receiving services without waiting. The Community Options Waiver does have a waitlist (Service Registry).
Yes. Under the CFC Program's self-directed option, you may hire a family member or trusted person as your paid caregiver. Private Pay clients also have full freedom to select or change their caregiver at any time.
We serve 24 Maryland counties including Baltimore City, Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick, Carroll, Harford, Charles, and Washington counties, among others statewide.
CFC is an entitlement program with no waitlist that covers personal care at home. The Community Options Waiver (HCBOW) provides a broader range of services including assisted living and respite care, but has a waitlist of over 24,000 people.
Call us at (667) 400-0648 or fill out our online form. Our advisors will guide you through Medicaid eligibility, program selection (CFC, HCBOW, or Private Pay), and the application process at no cost to you.
Maryland home care guides & caregiver tips
Medicaid, CFC, waivers, and caregiver tips for families across all 24 counties.
Do You Qualify for Maryland's Community First Choice in 2026? Howard County Home Care: 2026 Family Guide From Columbia to Ellicott City, compare CFC, Community Options Waiver, and private pay pathways with local tips for Howard County families.
Read articleCFC vs Community Options Waiver: Which Maryland Program Fits? Both programs help Marylanders age in place, but waitlists, hours, and eligibility differ. Learn how to compare options in one free call.
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